CGL Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CGL facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following DNA sample types is most suitable for situations where a cheek swab cannot be obtained from an elderly or infirm individual? → Hair with the root attached
2. Which methodology uses the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle? → Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
3. When a DNA match is found that might resolve a brick wall ancestor, what is the most appropriate first step? → Build out the match's family tree to search for a common ancestor
4. When transcribing an old handwritten document, an illegible word should be indicated by: → Using [illegible] or [?] within square brackets at the point of uncertainty
5. A genealogical lab stores DNA samples at -20°C. What is the primary reason for maintaining this temperature? → To preserve DNA integrity by slowing enzymatic degradation
6. When evaluating 'information' within a source for quality control purposes, which question is most relevant? → Was the informant a primary or secondary witness to the facts reported?
7. What is a key characteristic of an effective genealogical lecture? → Focuses on audience engagement and clarity
8. When unfolding a 200-year-old letter with heavy fold lines, the correct technique is to: → Humidify the fold lines slightly before gently unfolding
9. Which type of DNA test traces direct patrilineal ancestry by following the Y chromosome? → Y-DNA test
10. What is a key performance indicator (KPI)? → A measurable value that demonstrates effectiveness in achieving objectives
11. When a genealogical lecturer uses a case study during a presentation, what is the primary benefit for the audience? → It demonstrates abstract concepts through concrete, relatable examples
12. What is the benefit of using census records in genealogy? → They list family members and relationships
13. A researcher finds that an ancestor's recorded birthdate shifts by up to three years across multiple documents. What is the correct analytical response? → Weigh each source by its proximity to the birth event and informant knowledge
14. In a genealogical lab, PCR amplification must be performed in a separate room from DNA extraction primarily to prevent: → PCR product carryover contaminating unamplified samples
15. What strategy helps a genealogy lecturer manage time effectively during a complex multi-segment presentation? → Assign time benchmarks to each segment and use a visible countdown timer or phone timer
16. What does the acronym 'IBD' stand for in genetic genealogy? → Identical By Descent
17. A CGL candidate is presenting to a mixed audience of beginners and advanced researchers. What style adjustment is most appropriate? → Layer content from foundational to complex, providing context for new terms
18. What distinguishes a workshop format from a traditional lecture in genealogy education? → Workshops emphasize active skill practice over passive information reception
19. A genealogist is correlating land records that reference metes-and-bounds descriptions across three deeds. What is the primary analytical goal? → Reconstruct the physical location and ownership chain of the parcel
20. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which accommodation must a genealogy lecturer typically provide when presenting at a public venue? → Accessible seating and assistive listening devices upon request
21. When a CGL presenter uses a live database demonstration, what is the most important preparation step? → Preparing a static screenshot backup in case the live system is unavailable
22. When handling fragile 19th-century documents in a genealogical archive, which glove material is generally recommended to avoid damaging paper fibers? → Cotton gloves
23. Which statement best describes the CGL's obligation regarding conflicts of interest in a lecturing context? → Potential conflicts of interest should be disclosed proactively to the audience
24. How should a CGL respond when asked by a host organization to alter the factual content of a presentation to avoid offending certain attendees? → Refuse to misrepresent facts but offer to adjust tone or framing within truthful limits
25. What is the primary goal of a quality improvement program? → To continuously enhance processes and outcomes
26. When teaching audiences to use passenger manifests, which data field is most analytically valuable for distinguishing immigrants of the same name? → Contact person and address in the destination country
27. What is the primary reason to use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) with genealogical research workstations? → To protect against data loss and hardware damage from power outages or surges
28. A genealogy presenter is asked to reduce a 90-minute lecture to 45 minutes. What is the best approach? → Identify the core learning objectives and cut content that does not directly serve them
29. What makes a data visualization misleading? → Truncated axes, cherry-picked data, or inappropriate chart types
30. A researcher finds a will that names a man's 'son-in-law, John Smith.' In 19th-century U.S. usage, this term most likely means: → Either a son-in-law or a stepson, since the term was used for both